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There are 364 new emails in the inbox, those new pants are covered in scalding coffee, and the next conference call starts in exactly five minutes. In other words, it's the perfect time to relax. When we're feeling frazzled, a weekend at a beach resort might be just the thing to calm our nerves. But there isn't always time for tanning, let alone sleeping, eating, or going to the bathroom. Luckily we've rounded up 40 ways to relax and relieve stress in just five minutes or less. From sipping tea to trying some pranayama breathing, all these tactics can create calm during tough times.
Food and Drink
1. Sip Green Tea
Instead of turning purple with rage, get green with a cup of herbal tea. Green tea is a source of L-Theanine, a chemical that helps relieve anger L-Theanine reduces psychological and physiological stress responses. Kimura, K., Ozeki, M., Juneja, L.R., et al. Nagoya University Department of Psychology, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Japan. Biological Psychology 2007;74(1):39-45.. Boil the water, pour it out, and take a soothing sip.
2. Nosh on Chocolate
Just a square (about 1.4 ounces) of the sweet stuff can calm your nerves. Dark chocolate regulates levels of the stress hormone cortisol and stabilizes metabolism Metabolic effects of dark chocolate consumption on energy, gut microbiota, and stress-related metabolism in free-living subjects. Nestle Research Center, Vers-chez-les-Blanc, Lausanne, Switzerland. Journal of Proteome Research 2009;8(12):5568-79..
3. Slurp Some Honey
Replace stress with sweetness and try a spoonful of honey. Besides being a natural skin moisturizer and antibiotic, honey also provides compounds that reduce inflammation in the brain, meaning it fights depression and anxiety.
4. Bite Into a Mango
Take a tropical vacation without leaving the desk chair. Use a five-minute break to peel, slice, and bite into a juicy mango, which packs a compound called linalool that helps lower stress levels Stress repression in restrained rats by (R)-(-)-linalool inhalation and gene expression profiling of their whole blood cells. Nakamura, A., Fujiwara, S., Matsumoto, I., et al. Technical Research Center, T Hasegawa Co, ltd, Kawasaki-shi, Japan. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 2009;57(12):5480-5.. Don't fret about the juice dripping down your chin—the stress relief is worth the mess.
5. Chew Gum
Minty, fruity, or bubble-gum flavor, a stick of gum is a surprisingly quick and easy way to beat stress. Just a few minutes of chewing can actually reduce anxiety and lower cortisol levels Chewing gum alleviates negative mood and reduces cortisol during acute laboratory psychological stress. Scholey, A., Haskell, C., Robertson, B., et al. NICM Collaborative Centre for the Study of Natural Medicines and Neurocognition, Brain Sciences Institute, Swinburne University, Melbourne, Australia. Physiology & Behavior 2009;22(7):304-12..
6. Munch a Crunchy Snack
Sometimes there's nothing more satisfying than munching away on a candy bar when we're stressed—one study found stressed adults craved crunchy and salty snacks more than usual. But that salty crunch doesn't have to be so sugary—a handful of trail mix or a bag of celery sticks will work just as well.
Inner Peace
7. Meditate
No need to go on a retreat to the mountains—five minutes of peace is all it takes to reap the benefits of meditation. There's evidence that just two quick bouts of silent meditation per day can relieve stress and depression A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Meditation for Work Stress, Anxiety and Depressed Mood in Full-Time Workers. Manocha, R., Black, D., Sarris, J., Stough, C., et al. Discipline of Psychiatry, Sydney Medical School, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney University, St. Leonards, Australia. Evidence-basedcomplimentary and alternative medicine. Epub 2011.. Find a comfortable spot in a quiet place, concentrate on your breath, and feel those anxieties start to disappear.
8. Lay Your Head on a Cushion or Pillow
There are days when all we really need is a nice, long nap. But it's not always possible to start snoring in the middle of the office. If you've got a pillow, you're already on the road to relaxation. Try this visualization technique: Lay your head down for a few minutes and imagine the pillow is a sponge sucking up all your worries.
9. Remember to Breathe
Is there any simpler way to relax? Slow, deep breaths can help lower blood pressure and heart rate Efficacy of the controlled breathing on stress: biological correlates. Cea Ugarte, J.I., Gonzales-Pinto Arrillaga, A., Cabo Gonzales, O.M. Universidad Pais Vaso, Escuela de Enfermeria. Revista de Enfermeria 2010;33(5):58-54.. For the fancy noses out there, try pranayama breathing, a yogic method that involves breathing through one nostril at a time to relieve anxiety. The technique's supposed to work the same way as acupuncture, balancing the mind and body (and possibly eliminating the need for a tissue).
10. Try Progressive Relaxation
Anxious? Just squeeze, release, and repeat. Progressive relaxation involves tensing the muscles in one body part at a time to achieve a state of calm Effects of progressive relaxation on anxiety and quality of life in female students: a non-randomized control trial. Dehghan-Nayeri, N., Adib-Hajbaghery, M. Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran, Iran. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 2011;19(4):194-200.. The method (also used by actors) is a great way to help fall asleep.
11. Count Backward
Nope, it's not an IQ test, but it is a way to relax. When worries are running rampant, try slowly counting to 10 and then back again to calm down. It's harder to freak about an upcoming date or job interview when you're busy remembering what number comes before seven. (Hey, kindergarten was a long time ago.)
12. Use Creative Visualization
The doorbell rings. It's Ryan Gosling (or Elizabeth Banks), and he/she wants to know if you'll marry him/her. "Yes!" you shout and then—sorry, time's up. These little daydreams, also known as "creative visualization," involve thinking of something that makes us feel happy. It's an instant mood boost on hectic days when we're feeling tense.
13. Close Your Eyes
James Taylor said it: You can close your eyes, it's all right. Take a quick break from a busy office or a chaotic household by just lowering your eyelids. It's an easy way to regain calm and focus.
Total-Body Relaxation
14. Give Yourself a Hand Massage
When there's no professional masseuse in sight, try DIYing a hand massage for instant relaxation that calms a pounding heart The effects measurement of hand massage by the autonomic activity and psychological indicators. Kunikata, H., Watanabe, K., Miyoshi, M., et al. Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kawaga Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Kagawa, Japan. The Journal of Medical Investigation 2012;59(1-2):206-12.. Massages can be especially helpful for people who spend a lot of time typing on a keyboard. Hands in general can carry a lot of tension. Apply some luxurious lotion and start kneading the base of the muscle under the thumb to relieve stress in the shoulders, neck, and scalp.
15. Try Acupressure
Pressure to meet a deadline can be stressful, but acupressure can help release all that tension. Acupressure's a kind of touch therapy that works by balancing the circulation of fluids and energies in the body. Use the thumb and forefinger to massage the soft area between the thumb and index finger of the other hand. Dab on some lavender oil for extra relaxation.
16. Rub Your Feet Over a Golf Ball
Leave the clubs at home and just bring the ball. You can get an impromptu relaxing foot massage by rubbing your feet back and forth over a golf ball.
17. Squeeze a Stress Ball
On days when you want to strangle a coworker, your BFF, or the driver in the next lane, squeeze a stress ball instead. It's an easy, portable, and non-violent way to relieve tension.
18. Drip Cold Water On Your Wrists
Pass on the perfume and go with water. When stress hits, head for the bathroom and drop some cold water on your wrists and behind your earlobes. There are major arteries right underneath the skin, so cooling these areas can help calm the whole body.
19. Brush Your Hair
Really, it looks like a rat's nest. Even if you've already done your 100 strokes for the day, repetitive motions such as running a brush through your hair, washing dishes, or knitting can cause the body to relax.
New Environment
20. Be Alone
Not everyone needs a cabin the woods, but five minutes of alone time can help you collect your thoughts and clear your head.
21. Create a Zen Zone
Hiding in a bathroom stall might not sound calming, but do make (or find) a space that's completely free of stress where you can go to relax. Set up a comfortable chair or light some incense and disappear there for a few minutes until the tension dissipates.
22. Find the Sun
Here comes the sun—and some stress relief. If it's a sunny day, head outside for an easy way to lift your spirits. Bright light can be an effective treatment for people who suffer from depression, and can even cheer up otherwise healthy folks Randomized trial of physical exercise alone or combined with bright light on mood and health-related quality of life. Partonen, T., Leppamaki, S., Hurme, J., et al. Department of Psychiatry, University of Helsinki, Finland. Psychological Medicine 1998;28(6):1359-64..
23. Look Out the Window
No spying on the neighbors allowed. When things get hectic, take a five-minute break to do nothing but stare out the window. Looking at nature scenes like trees and public parks can be a lot more relaxing than staring at the TV screen.
24. Get Organized
A stack of papers, three tape dispensers, a bunch of misshapen paperclips: All this clutter could be contributing to stress. Take a few minutes to reorganize your desk (or table, or wherever you are), leaving just what you need on top.
25. Do Some Yoga
Put your feet up—against the wall, of course. The Vipariti Kirani yoga pose involves lying on the floor and resting the legs up against a wall. Not only does it give the body a good stretch, but it helps create peace of mind, too The effects of yoga on anxiety and stress. Li, A.W., Goldsmith, C.A. St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Brighton, MA. Alternative Medicine Review 2012;17(1):21-35..
26. Stretch
Standing up for a quick stretch can relieve muscle tension and help us relax during a stressful workday Muscle stretching as an alternative relaxation training procedure. Carlson, C.R., Collins, F.R. Jr., Nitz, A.J, et al. University of Kentucky. Journal of behavior therapy and experimental psychiatry 1990;21(1): 29-38.. Why not try a shoulder roll-out or a chest-opening stretch right from the desk chair?
27. Run in Place
We may not be able to run away from stress, but it's worth practicing. Try running in place for a few minutes to get those endorphins flowing. Even brief physical activity can help beat stress.
28. Take a Quick Walk
"Now walk it out, now walk [stress] out." When you're feeling overwhelmed or having trouble concentrating, go for a quick stroll around the block. You'll get the benefits of alone time, physical activity, and a few minutes to gather your thoughts!
Entertainment and Creativity
29. Write It Down
"Dear Diary: Today I feel STRESSED." Just putting our emotions on paper can make them seem less intimidating. Try journaling before a big exam and it just might improve your score Writing about testing worries boosts exam performance in the classroom. Ramirez, G., Beilock, S.L. Science 2011;331(6014):211-3..
30. Listen to Your Favorite Song
Beyonce, Blondie, or the Biebster, sometimes belting out the lyrics to a favorite tune makes everything seem all right. If you're in a public place (that isn't the opera), just listening to music can be a quick fix for a bad mood Relaxing music prevents stress-induced increases in subjective anxiety, systolic blood pressure, and heart rate in healthy males and females. Knight, W.E., Rickard, N.S. Monash University, Victoria, Australia. Journal of Music Therapy 2001;38(4):254-72.. Classical music can be especially relaxing right before bedtime.
31. Dance
To the music! Research suggests people feel less anxious after a few months of modern dance, but if that's not your style, five minutes of the funky chicken probably works, too Effects of dance on anxiety. Leste, A., Rust, J. Perceptual and Motor Skills 1984;58(3):767-72.. (At the very least, dancing's a great form of cardio!)
32. Do a Crossword Puzzle
Number 10 across: Anxious, overwhelmed, or freaking out (seven letters). If you guessed "Stressed," you're in good shape to try some crossword puzzles. Brain games that require lots of concentration can help take our mind off whatever's worrying us Trait anxiety and impoverished prefrontal control of attention. Bishop, S.J. Department of Psychology and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkley, Berkley, CA. Nature Neuroscience 2009;12(1):92-8..
33. Smell Some Flowers
Really, stop and smell 'em. Certain odors can change our mood, and it's hard to feel angry or upset with a nose full of roses The impact of natural odors on affective states in humans. Weber, S.T., Heuburger, E. Department of Clinical pharmacy and Diagnostics, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. Chemial Senses 2008;33(5):441-7.. Keep a fresh jar of your favorite flowers near your workspace or in the living room, and take a whiff whenever anxiety strikes.
34. Try Aromatherapy
It takes just a minute to drip some lavender, tea tree, or another essential oil into your palm and inhale. The soothing scents may help send stress and anxiety packing by stimulating smell receptors in the nose that connect to the part of the brain that regulates emotions Essential oils and anxiolytic aromatherapy. Setzer, W.N. Department of Chemistry, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Alabama. Natural Product Communications 2009;4(9):1305-16..
35. Sniff Citrus
Orange you glad you're not stressed? The smell of citrus can help us relax by increasing levels of the stress-related hormone norepinephrine.
36. Nose Full of Coffee
Wake up and smell the latte. Just the odor of coffee can help reduce stress hormones—no sipping required Effects of coffee bean aroma on the rat brain stressed by sleep deprivation: a selected transcript- and 2D gel-based proteome analysis. Seo, H.S., Hirano, M., Shibato, J. Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Human Ecology, Seoul National University, South Korea. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 2008;56(12):4665-73.. (Just be sure not to burn the tip of your nose.)
Socializing and Fun
37. Cuddle With a Pet
A boyfriend or girlfriend is okay, but they're (usually) not furry enough. After a rough day, snuggle up with a pet for an instant slobbery smile, since pets can boost self-esteem and even ease the sting of social rejection Friends with benefits: on the consequences of pet ownership. McDonnell, A.R., Brown, C.M., Shoda, T.M. Department of Psychology, Miami University, Oxford, OH. Journal of Personaality and Social Psychology 2011;101(6):1239-52..
38. Laugh
Stressed? Me? Ha! Laughter's one of the sillier ways to beat stress, but there's science behind it Humor and Laughter May Influence Health. Bennett, M.P., Lengacher, C.A. Evidence-Based Complimentary and Alternative Medicine 2006;3(1):61-3.. A fit of hysterics can increase blood flow and boost immunity. Keep a book of jokes handy in the desk drawer or check out a hilarious YouTube video (maybe a piano-playing pug?) for a quick pick-me-up.
39. Talk to a Friend
When something's really bothering you, it can help to share your feelings with a pal. In fact, more talkative folks tend to be happier in general Anxiety, affect, and activity in teenagers: monitoring daily life with electronic diaries. Henker, B., Whalen, C.K., Jamner, L.D., et al. Department of Psychology, University of Califronia, Los Angeles, CA. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry;2002(41)6:660-70.. So vent to a coworker or call a close family member and spill.
40. Start Planning a Vacation
Crashing waves, warm sand, a gentle breeze ruffling your hair. Well, at least the image is nice. Take a break from work and start browsing the web for some future vacation spots. Sometimes the whole fun of a trip is in the planning, anyway Looking forward, looking back: anticipation is more evocative than retrospection. Van Boven, L., Ashworth, L. Department of Psychology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General 2007;136(2):289-300..


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2008 Writers Guild Awards Television & Radio Nominees Announced
LOS ANGELES, NEW YORK -- The Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) and the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) today announced nominations for outstanding achievement in television, radio, news, and promotional writing during the 2007 season to be honored at the upcoming 2008 Writers Guild Awards - the WGA's 60th Anniversary award show - held on February 9, 2008, in Los Angeles and New York.
DEXTER, Written by Scott Buck, Daniel Cerone, Drew Z. Greenberg, Lauren Gussis, Kevin Maynard, Clyde Phillips, Melissa Rosenberg, Tim Schlattman; Showtime
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, Written by Bridget Carpenter, Kerry Ehrin, Carter Harris, Elizabeth Heldens, David Hudgins, Jason Katims, Patrick Massett, Andy Miller, Aaron Rahsaan Thomas, John Zinman; NBC
MAD MEN, Written by Lisa Albert, Bridget Bedard, Andre Jacquemetton, Maria Jacquemetton, Tom Palmer, Chris Provenzano, Robin Veith, Matthew Weiner; AMC
THE SOPRANOS, Written by David Chase, Diane Frolov, Andrew Schneider, Matthew Weiner, Terence Winter; HBO
THE WIRE, Written by Ed Burns, Chris Collins, Dennis Lehane, David Mills, George Pelecanos, Richard Price, David Simon, William F. Zorzi; HBO
CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, Written by Larry David; HBO
ENTOURAGE, Written by Marc Abrams, Lisa Alden, Michael Benson, Brian Burns, Doug Ellin, Alex Gansa, Tim Griffin, Dusty Kay, Stephen Levinson, Ally Musika, Wes Nickerson, Rob Weiss; HBO
FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS, Written by Damon Beesley, James Bobin, Jemaine Clement, Eric Kaplan, Bret McKenzie, Iain Morris, Duncan Sarkies, Paul Simms, Taika Waititi; HBO
THE OFFICE, Written by Steve Carell, Jennifer Celotta, Greg Daniels, Lee Eisenberg, Anthony Farrell, Brent Forrester, Mindy Kaling, Ryan Koh, Lester Lewis, Paul Lieberstein, B.J. Novak, Michael Schur, Justin Spitzer, Gene Stupnitsky, Caroline Williams, Larry Wilmore; NBC
30 ROCK, Written by Brett Baer, Jack Burditt, Kay Cannon, Robert Carlock, Tina Fey, Dave Finkel, Daisy Gardner, Donald Glover, Matt Hubbard, Jon Pollack, John Riggi, Tami Sagher, Ron Weiner; NBC
DAMAGES, Written by Jeremy Doner, Mark Fish, Davey Holmes, Glenn Kessler, Todd A. Kessler, Willie Reale, Adam Stein, Aaron Zelman, Daniel Zelman; FX
PUSHING DAISIES, Written by Chad Gomez Creasey, Dara Resnik Creasey, Bryan Fuller, Abby Gewanter, Jim Danger Gray, Lisa Joy, Kath Lingenfelter, Rina Mimoun, Jack Monaco, Scott Nimerfro, Peter Ocko; ABC
THE SARAH SILVERMAN PROGRAM, Written by Dan Fybel, Rich Rinaldi, Rob Schrab, Jon Schroeder, Sarah Silverman, Dan Sterling, Harris Wittels; Comedy Central
EPISODIC DRAMA - any length - one airing time
Final Grades (The Wire), Teleplay by David Simon; Story by David Simon & Ed Burns; HBO
The Second Coming (The Sopranos), Written by Terence Winter; HBO
The Round File (The Closer), Written by Michael Alaimo; TNT
Flashes Before Your Eyes (Lost), Written by Damon Lindelof & Drew Goddard; ABC
The Hobo Code (Mad Men), Written by Chris Provenzano; AMC
The Dark Defender (Dexter), Written by Tim Schlattmann; Showtime
EPISODIC COMEDY - any length - one airing time
Pie-Lette (Pushing Daisies), Written by Bryan Fuller; ABC
The Job (The Office), Written by Paul Lieberstein & Michael Schur; NBC
Negotiation (30 Rock), Written by Matt Hubbard; NBC
Local Ad (The Office), Written by B.J. Novak; NBC
Phyllis's Wedding (The Office), Written by Caroline Williams; NBC
Sally Returns (Flight of the Conchords); Written by James Bobin & Jemaine Clement & Bret McKenzie; HBO
LONG FORM - ORIGINAL - over one hour - one or two parts, one or two airing times
Pandemic, Written by Bryce Zabel & Jackie Zabel; Hallmark Channel
The Lost Room, Night One, Teleplay by Laura Harkcom & Christopher Leone; Story by Christopher Leone & Paul Workman. Nights Two and Three, Written By Laura Harkcom & Christopher Leone; Sci-Fi Channel
LONG FORM - ADAPTATION - over one hour - one or two parts, one or two airing times
The Company: A Story of the CIA, Teleplay by Ken Nolan, Based on the novel by Robert Littell; TNT
Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee, Teleplay by Daniel Giat, Based on the book by Dee Alexander Brown; HBO
The Starter Wife (Nights 1&2), Teleplay by Sara Parriott & Josann McGibbon, Based on the book by Gigi Levangie Grazer; USA
ANIMATION - any length - one airing time
The Haw-Hawed Couple (The Simpsons), Written by Matt Selman; FOX
The Homer of Seville (The Simpsons), Written by Carolyn Omine; FOX
Kill Gil Volumes 1&2 (The Simpsons), Written by Jeff Westbrook; FOX
Stop or My Dog Will Shoot! (The Simpsons), Written by John Frink; FOX
The Passion of the Dauterive (King of the Hill), Written by Tony Gama-Lobo & Rebecca May; FOX
Lucky's Wedding Suit (King of the Hill), Written by Jim Dauterive; FOX
THE DAILY SHOW WITH JON STEWART, Head Writer Steve Bodow, Written by Rachel Axler, Kevin Bleyer, Rich Blomquist, Tim Carvell, J.R. Havlan, Scott Jacobson, D.J. Javerbaum, Rob Kutner, Josh Lieb, Sam Means, Jason Reich, Jason Ross, Jon Stewart; Comedy Central
THE COLBERT REPORT, Written by Bryan Adams, Michael Brumm, Stephen Colbert, Rich Dahm, Eric Drysdale, Rob Dubbin, Glenn Eichler, Peter Grosz, Peter Gwinn, Barry Julien, Jay Katsir, Laura Krafft, Frank Lesser, Tom Purcell, Allison Silverman; Comedy Central
LATE NIGHT WITH CONAN O'BRIEN, Writers Mike Sweeney, Chris Albers, Jose Arroyo, Dan Cronin, Kevin Dorff, Daniel J. Goor, Michael Gordon, Tim Harrod, Berkley Johnson, Brian Kiley, Michael Koman, Brian McCann, Guy Nicolucci, Conan O'Brien, Robert Smigel, Brian Stack, Andrew Weinberg; NBC
PENN & TELLER: BULLSHIT!, Written by Penn Jillette, Teller, David Weiss, Jon Hotchkiss, Michael Goudeau, Star Price, Sheryl Zohn, Cliff Schoenberg; Showtime
REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER, Written by Scott Carter, David Feldman, Lance Crouther, Adam Felber, Matt Gunn, Brian Jacobsmeyer, Jay Jaroch, Chris Kelly, Bill Maher, Billy Martin, Jonathan Schmock, Danny Vermont; HBO
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, Head Writers Seth Meyers, Paula Pell, Andrew Steele, Writers Doug Abeles, James Anderson, Alex Baze, James Downey, Charlie Grandy, Steve Higgins, Colin Jost, Erik Kenward, John Lutz, Seth Meyers, Lorne Michaels, Matt Murray, Paula Pell, Marika Sawyer, Akiva Schaffer, Robert Smigel, John Solomon, Emily Spivey, Andrew Steele, Jorma Taccone, Bryan Tucker, Additional Sketch By Jim Cashman; NBC
(*Editor's Note: There are no nominations this year in the Comedy/Variety - Music, Awards, Tributes - Specials category.)
ALL MY CHILDREN, Written by James Harmon Brown, Barbara Esensten, Megan McTavish, Addie Walsh, Chip Hayes, Stephen Demorest, Michelle Patrick, Amanda L. Beall, Jeff Beldner, Karen Lewis, Rebecca Taylor, Marla Kanelos, Courtney Bugler, Joanna Cohen, Kate Hall; ABC
AS THE WORLD TURNS, Written by Jean Passanante, Leah Laiman, Christopher Whitesell, Courtney Simon, Anna Theresa Cascio, Lisa Connor, David A. Levinson, Gary Sunshine, Bettina Bradbury, Richard Culliton, Susan Dansby, Judy Donato, Mimi Leahey, Elizabeth Page Judy Tate; CBS
GENERAL HOSPITAL, Written by Robert Guza, Jr., Elizabeth Korte, Michael Conforti, Garin Wolf, David Goldschmid, Michele Val Jean, Mary Sue Price, Karen Harris, Susan Wald, Tracey Thompson; ABC
THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS, Written by Lynn Marie Latham, Scott Hamner, Jeff Gottesfeld & Cherie Bennet, Bernard Lechowick, James Stanley, Natalie Minardi Slater, Lynsey Dufour, Marina Alburger, Sara Bibel, Paula Cwikly, Janice Ferri Esser, Eric Freiwald & Linda Schreiber, Joshua McCaffrey, Sandra Weintraub; CBS
Look Whose Not Talking (Flight 29 Down), Written by D. J. MacHale; Discovery Kids
Nat is a Stand Up Guy (The Naked Brothers Band), Written by Polly Draper; Nickelodeon
R.L Stine's The Haunting Hour: Don't Think About It, Written by Billy Brown and Dan Angel; Cartoon Network
Johnny Kapahala: Back on Board, Teleplay by Ann Austen & Douglas Sloan and Max Enscoe & Annie deYoung, Story by Ann Austen & Douglas Sloan; Disney Channel
The Enemy Within (Frontline), Written by Lowell Bergman & Oriana Zill De Granados; PBS
News War Part 1: Secrets Sources and Spin (Frontline), Written by Raney Aronson-Rath and Lowell Bergman & Seth Bomse; PBS
News War Part 3: What's Happening to the News? (Frontline), Written by Stephen Talbot & Lowell Bergman; PBS
Return of the Taliban (Frontline), Written by Martin Smith; PBS
Security vs. Liberty: The Other War (America at a Crossroads), Written by Edward Gray; PBS
Spying on the Home Front (Frontline), Written by Hendrick Smith & Rick Young; PBS
Alexander Hamilton (American Experience), Written by Ronald Blumer; PBS
Billy Strayhorn: Lush Life (Independent Lens), Written by Robert Levi and Robert Seidman; PBS
Forgotten Genius (Nova), Written by Stephen Lyons & Llewellyn M. Smith; PBS
The War, Episode Four: Pride of Our Nation, Written by Geoffrey C. Ward; PBS
Amish School Shooting (World News with Charles Gibson), Written by Josh Landis, Joel Siegel, Julia Kathan, Charles Gibson; ABC
The Battle for Iraq: Four Years After the Invasion (Up to the Minute), Written by J. Craig Wilson; CBS
The 7 New Wonders of the World: The Internet (Good Morning America), Written by Laura Zaccaro; ABC
To Bee or Not To Bee (Good Morning America), Written by Mary Pflum; ABC
Go Wireless, Get Connected! ABC's Technology Survival Guide, Written by Andrea Smith; ABC
The Passing of the Scooter, Written by Tom Sabella; CBS
Tributes, Written By Gail Lee; CBS
World News This Week, Written by Maryanne J. Pryor; ABC
Passages, Written by Gail Lee; CBS
Success: A Fathers Definition, Written by Jerry Edling; KNX
Great of Heart, Not Every Dog, Symphonies of Stone, Tri-State Troops, Some Like it Hotter, Stars and Story Tellers, Written by Michelle Straebler; WNBC
Days of Our Lives: Mini-Series, The Bradys Vs. The Dimeras, Written by Judie Henninger; NBC
One Pricey Pants Suit, William J. Hennessy Jr.; ABC News
Where in the World is�Matt Lauer?: Tease Campaign 2007, Joe Strobino and Miranda Patterson; NBC
CBS News: Sunday Morning�by Design, Bob Pook, Stephanie Johnson, and Jason Levine; CBS
The 2008 Writers Guild Awards are slated to be held on Saturday, February 9, 2008, simultaneously at the Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles and the Hudson Theatre at the Broadway Millennium Hotel in New York City.
For more information about the 2008 Writers Guild Awards, please visit www.wga.org or www.wgaeast.org.
The Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) and the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) represent writers in the motion picture, broadcast, cable, and new media industries in both entertainment and news.

subset: commoncrawl


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What is it that keeps the guitar in our minds and hearts? Is it the instrument's flexibility or its power to inspire social change?
What is the essence of the guitar? Why is it arguably the most popular musical instrument of all time? The fact that you are reading these words is testament to the guitar's ubiquitous reach. It pervades our daily world and informs our experience. Think about it: The guitar has either been at the forefront or close by on the sidelines of every social movement and change in America for well over a century.
As the cowboys drove their herds north along the Chisholm Trail, the guitar was there. When African slaves toiled in American cotton fields, they sang their stories accompanied by a 6-string. During the Dust Bowl, displaced families passed time plucking and migrant workers rode the rails to the strum of the guitar, using it as a weapon of survival. Woody Guthrie—a famous transient himself—wrote and performed powerful activist protestations that helped build trade unions, and were echoed decades later at the sit-ins and folk festivals of the 1960s. But it was most certainly the British Invasion that catapulted the guitar past the accordion and saxophone as the instrument of the masses.
"The guitar really gave me an identity," explains guitarist Matt Beck, the son of two classical musicians. "It gave me a personality that was different from the classical instruments my parents had." Beck saw the line in the sand as a call to arms that allowed him to carry on the family business in his own image. "What drew me in was that it sounded modern," he says, further underlining the social split the guitar can represent.
That divide fueled a desire and a career playing a wide range of music. Today, Beck spends his time playing on Broadway shows like Rent and Spiderman, and performing with Matchbox 20, a gig he's held down for over a decade. He sees the guitar's flexibility as its greatest asset, and his career underlines that as well. Although he acknowledges the ease of learning guitar basics as a reason for its popularity, he is quick to add "a guitar is easy to play, but difficult to master." As for his take on the guitar's place in history, Beck says, "I definitely see the guitar in the American experience as a centerpiece—it's the folk instrument of our country."
Echoing that sentiment is guitarist and collector Errol Antzis. He remembers hearing guitarist Michael Schenker holding a single feedback-drenched note during the intro of a UFO song. "Wow, what is that sound?" he recalls thinking. "That's when I decided to start playing guitar." For Antzis, it was a defining moment: The piano lessons got ditched and it was 6-strings from that day on. Antzis spent years gigging professionally before switching gears and going back to school. Although he carved out a career in finance and publishing, he's never stopped making music. Today, his dazzling collection of instruments is enviable, and his musical talent has allowed him to record with some of his guitar heroes. "I don't have a problem," he says of his vast guitar holdings, "I have a passion."
For those musicians and many other young people, the Anglo version of American blues and R&B that dominated the album charts and radio waves spurred them to pick up and play guitar. For others, it led to a desire to build. For renowned builder Ken Parker, listening to the Ventures inspired him to construct a guitar out of cardboard as a child, but it was the Fab Four that really knocked him out.
"The Beatles inoculated America with American music," says Parker. "Their take on R&B lit up the whole world and it went crazy on guitars."
Parker's infatuation for the sound and song of the guitar has manifested itself in a lifelong career building instruments. Reinterpreting and morphing the guitar's form has been his calling card, similar to the way rockers of the late 20th Century distorted and bent their music. Reflecting his own first encounters with guitar music, Parker strives to bring the joy of discovery to others. "An instrument can give you goose bumps," he explains. "I'm trying to create something that makes you not watch TV, but go to the guitar case instead."
Reflecting on the guitar's enduring ability to speak for new generations, amp builder and restorer Blackie Pagano points out that, "When you look at a Fender Stratocaster, which was designed in the 1950s, it still looks modern." For young artists, it may also be a connection to the past. By strapping on a guitar—and thus donning an iconic musical costume—they can conjure up some vintage mojo.
Pagano sees the guitar's innate ability to channel the performer's personality as its strength. "In the end, it's what you can get out of it, and I've seen guys do amazing things with stuff you'd pull out of the trash." When pressed to explain why the guitar remains popular today, even with tech-savvy young artists, Pagano says with a laugh, "Even the junk of yesterday is more interesting to use than today's best technology."
So what is it that keeps the guitar in our minds and hearts? Is it the instrument's flexibility or the rebellion it represents? I'd wager that it's both these things and more. Unlike horns and woodwinds, you can sing while playing, and it's easier to learn (and carry) than a piano. We hold the guitar to our bodies like a lover and caress the strings. In our hands, it communicates our most intimate feelings and stories.
In the end, even though it wasn't invented here, the guitar is the most American of musical instruments. From the cowboys to the latest bands gracing the festival stages, the guitar has created our nation's greatest export—American music.


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Despite news of Mario Götze's summer exit, Jürgen Klopp wants a "special" night as Borussia Dortmund seek to repeat their autumn results against Real Madrid CF.
As preparations for a first UEFA Champions League semi-final in 15 years go, eve-of-match news that one of your best players is leaving to join your rivals in the summer is not ideal.
Borussia Dortmund coach Jürgen Klopp has had to deal with exactly that, however, with Mario Götze announcing a July move to FC Bayern München. Yet Klopp is determined not to let Real Madrid CF think Dortmund are wounded ahead of Wednesday's first leg, urging the home fans:
"Let's make it a special and outstanding night, a real BVB night. Leave all your negative emotions at home and will us to victory against Real Madrid."
José Mourinho has taken Madrid to the semi-finals for a third season running but, despite defeat in the previous two, he was in relaxed mood as he plotted an improvement on his side's group stage loss in Dortmund.
Borussia Dortmund
Jürgen Klopp, coach
On a scale of one to ten [news of Götze's transfer on the eve of the game] would be a nine. The only way the timing could have been worse would have been if it came four hours before the match. I learned last night at ten that it was going public. I heard about this on Thursday after the Málaga return leg – I had one day to be happy about that result.
The release clause was there and we must not forget that a little more than a year ago we used a buy-out clause to sign Marco Reus from Gladbach for €17m. They were not too happy either. Götze knows he owes a lot to the club, but he gave a lot back as well. I have spoken to a few players, but nobody has to fear that we are not fully focused.
Everyone should support the team tomorrow, no matter what – Real Madrid cannot capitalise on this
. If someone does not understand how much heart has gone into getting this far, they should not come. Those who understand will support the team unconditionally. Our fans have reacted extremely well in extreme situations in the past. I think that will be the case again.
Real Madrid have different ways of playing. At Manchester [United FC] they had 68% possession, even when it was 11 v 11, so they can play a possession game. They are not all about transition play, attacking on the break. Madrid are one of the best teams in the world and capable of playing every style there is. But so can we. Which one we employ tomorrow, you will have to wait and see.
Weekend result
Saturday: Borussia Dortmund 2-0 1. FSV Mainz 05 (Reus 1, Lewandowski 87)
Weidenfeller; Piszczek, Subotić, Hummels, Schmelzer; Gündoğan, Şahin; Błaszczykowski (Grosskreutz 62), Götze (Schieber 74), Reus (Leitner 86); Lewandowski.
• Marco Reus struck after 33 seconds and Robert Lewandowski extended his club record run of scoring in successive Bundesliga games to 12 as Dortmund claimed a seventh straight home win. They have registered 23 goals in the process, never fewer than two in a match.
Team news
Lewandowski is available after shaking off a thigh knock suffered on Saturday while Sebastian Kehl (foot) and Sven Bender (pelvis) are likely to start after sitting out the Mainz victory as a precaution.
Real Madrid CF
José Mourinho, coach
In the semi-finals, there are four of the six teams almost everybody was expecting. Sometimes there are surprise teams, but not this time. It could have been Manchester United or Juventus, but no other team. It is difficult to predict who will reach the final – I'd predict it is 25% for Borussia Dortmund and 25% for Real Madrid to win the title.
The four goals we conceded against Dortmund in the group stage were all our mistakes. Should we concede again in these two games, I hope it would be because of fantastic and unstoppable goals, not ones created by our mistakes. But of course we hope not to concede many goals at all!
I don't know Jürgen Klopp very well but he seems to be very authentic. When I hear him saying he doesn't want to focus too much on the way Real Madrid play and focus on his team, I believe he will play a very attacking game and Dortmund will run and fight for every ball.
I feel no pressure and am not scared. I do not know those feelings, that's how I cope. It is a situation like we had against Galatasaray or United – a match we want to win and in which we will try to give our best.
I hope that my team, who I value tremendously as individuals as well as a team, will be able to convince here and in the return leg. This team have great players who give everything they have and deserve to win this competition.
When I joined this club, it was already very successful, but we were not among the top seeds. The club has been developed. Madrid are one of those clubs where finishing second counts for nothing – so we have to reach the final
and win.
Weekend result
Saturday: Real Madrid CF 3-1 Real Betis Balompié
(Özil 45 90, Benzema 57, Molina 73pen)
López; Nacho, Albiol, Carvalho, Marcelo (Varane 15); Casemiro, Modrić (Pepe 63), Callejón, Özil, Ronaldo; Benzema (Higuaín 72).
• On his 150th appearance for the Merengues, Mesut Özil's second consecutive Liga double along with Karim Benzema's ninth seasonal league goal helped second-placed Madrid stretch their unbeaten streak to ten games. Brazil midfielder Casemiro made his senior debut.
Team news
Michael Essien (muscle strain), Fábio Coentrão (muscular problems) and Álvaro Arbeloa (back) skipped the weekend action, as did the suspended Xabi Alonso. Sergio Ramos and Sami Khedira were rested. Luka Modrić (calf) and Marcelo (thigh) picked up injuries, however, while Ángel Di María may miss the Dortmund trip as his wife has just given birth. Arbeloa is banned.
Match fact
• Madrid ended Dortmund's reign as European champions when the teams met in the 1997/98 semi-finals. Fernando Morientes and Christian Karembeu's first-leg goals in Spain earned a 2-0 aggregate success for Jupp Heynckes' side, who went on to lift the trophy.
Borussia Dortmund – Real Madrid Betting Prediction
Tip: AH 1 (DNB)
Odds: 1.98


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The ever-addictive word game cherished by word fiends and Alec Baldwins everywhere has a new star on its sleeve: it prevented a heart attack, sort of!
Australian Georgie Fletcher was randomly matched up with Missouri woman Beth Legler for just another game of Not Scrabble, Ozarks First reports. Unfortunately, Fletcher started to experience symptoms of a heart attack. Fortunately, Legler's husband is a doctor, recognised what was going on, and told Georgia to get to a hospital ASAP, which may or may not be a permissible word in WWF.
He lived! This one feat compensates for the countless frustration heart attacks Words With Friends has caused over the years. [Ozarks First via Mashable]


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Please note the minimum notice periods that apply to each state/territory which are dependent on the status of your Lease Agreement. Please check with your Raine & Horne Property Manager if you are unsure how much notice you are required to give.
Just so we can personalise things, could you please tell us a little more about yourself


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The Committee on Annual Awards considers candidates and recommends recipients for the Association's highest honor: the Gold Medal. The Committee also considers nominations for the Root-Stimson Award and the William J. Carroll Distinguished Service Award.
Information on each award, including nominations forms and past winners, can be found in the links below.Gold MedalRoot/Stimson AwardWilliam J. Carroll Distinguished Service Award
All NYSBA Awards and Competitions


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Here's a cool event where real life meets the online world. Last week, in downtown Toronto, Microsoft showcased a real life version of their Battle for Beauty, a multiplayer HTML5 game optimised for Internet Explorer 9.
Battle for Beauty was created by TAXI, a development studio, in conjunction with Microsoft for their HTML5 Beauty of the Web initiative. It pits the "ugly side of the web" versus the "beautiful side of the web" (aka. Internet Explorer 9). In this real life interactive version people in Toronto could play in person by interacting with a giant screen. Online players were able to see the game, over the two days, from the live location. The real life crowd were able to play against online internet users, lights, smoke and sound were generated from the internet.
Battle for Beauty is the first HTML5 multiplayer game to be played simultaneously online and in the real world. This game demonstrates that by supporting HTML5, Internet Explorer 9 provides a faster and richer browsing experience. What a great event. Would you have liked to play this one?
IE9′s Battle for Beauty: Real Life Interactive Game
previous post


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Pollution is defined as "an undesirable state of the natural environment being contaminated with harmful substances as a consequence of human activities." These activities sometimes vary greatly from each other. They include: pooping, jizzing, littering, burning things (including cigarettes), spitting, farting, and most of all, being fat.
Fat[edit | edit source]
How Being Fat Impacts The World[edit | edit source]
It's all in the definition above. Being fat is not desirable, and to you and everybody else around you. Also, it's obviously a consequence of human activities. Now if your so self centered there Chubbanator, that you believe that being a Lard Ass is your problem and your problem alone, then you have been lying to yourself about that too.
In The Eyes Of Others[edit | edit source]
Hey Chunky, if you think that other people don't judge you, then that's one thing that your mistaken about. Not only are they less likely to befriend you, and more prone to make fun of you, but they're also more likely to despise you. they don't see you as having a health condition, they see you as pollution. A true eyesore for the world.
How Fat Is Causing Global Warming[edit | edit source]
Well there Chunky, if you are thinking that those mean, inconsiderate people can just deal with your fatness, well your wrong again. You are killing our planet. All of the fat is insulated our planet so much, scientists believe that by the year 2015 it will be completely melted. So not only are you going to kill yourself, but everybody else too.
Green House Gases[edit | edit source]
Green house gases don't cause global warming, it's an effect of it. Every time somebody farts, the great wall of fat that encircles the globe traps it in and doesn't release it, making the destruction of our planet even worse.
Al Gore[edit | edit source]
After Al Gore lost he election to George W. Bush in 2000, he became incredibly fat. But he redeemed him self by talking to Jenny and working vigorously against the global warming problem. Since then he won some type of Nobel Prize.
How Being Fat Impacts You[edit | edit source]
You ate way to much. Learn to control yourself there tubby. Outside of the United States, it is commonly believed that over 123.7% of U.S. citizens are obese. Not a little bit chubby, but obese. That's considered a disease you know. And why is that? Because you just couldn't get up off your butt for an hour a day and exercise. Many people don't know what that is. I seen a fat kid try to run one day, and afterword he thought that he needed to go to the E.R. because of how sore he he was. More like he needed a few more boxes of Star-Crunches, the Tubbo. Your not big boned Chubbster. Stop eating there Bessie, because even if it is genetic, your just making it worse. We have all seen big people who weren't fat. And if you are one of those super fat people who doesn't realize that they are, constantly complaining about other fat people, then you need to open your eyes and look just a little farther past the refrigerator. Congratulations, Flappy, your life is terrible because you just can't seem to find the will power to get up for something other that the purpose to eat.
Hot Being Fat Impacts your Friends and Family[edit | edit source]
Well Chunky, maybe you don't realize it but your killing everybody. But more recently is when you gave your little nephew a hug and smuggled him to death. Or that time you passed out on top of the one guy n the world who wasn't repulsed by you, and you killed him. Great job Fatty, great job.
Burning Stuff[edit | edit source]
Burning things is another leading contributor of pollution. *ahem* I burning your dog.
Cigarretes[edit | edit source]
Stop smoking. You don't look cool, in fact now days you just look like a jack ass. Also the bad breath left by cigarettes causes pollution.
Generalized Fires And Arson[edit | edit source]
Sure it may be fun to light up a forest on your vacation and watch to panic back home on your television, but it's not safe considering that all of the previously mentioned Green House Gases are extremely flammable. So next time you decide to burn down your neighbors house for good sport, you could be blow into your deathbed. all fat slobs come to neset in the shit hole of America land


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Table of Contents
Setting Up Your Own Mozilla Sync Server
Mozilla Sync is a feature which is supported in Firefox since version 4. It allows you to store your bookmarks, browsing history, browser preferences, and saved passwords on a remote server. It even allows you to work on multiple computers and have the same Firefox configuration on all these computers. That's a pretty cool feature. You can for instance setup sync on your Android phone's Firefox browser and quickly configure it by entering your account-specific sync key. Moments later you will have your synced desktop browser configuration on your phone.
Mozilla offers public sync servers. If you don't trust your passwords and browsing history in the hands of Mozilla (though your data is supposedly being encrypted with your unique sync key before it gets uploaded to Mozilla), then you can use this HOWTO for setting up your own Sync Server at home (or at work).
Luckily, Mozilla is open as always and makes the Open Source Sync Server code available to everyone who wants to play with it. And setting it up is not difficult at all.
Note: Mozilla have re-designed and re-written the original Sync Server (it was called "Mozilla Weave Server" at the time, and was almost impossible to setup). It is now written in Python, and the steps to create your own Sync Server are described on this page. That page is what you should follow. The rest of this HOWTO tries to bring more detail to the process of configuring your Slackware box to become a real Sync Server.
Of course you want to install this on a Slackware server!
There are some explicit dependencies as mentioned on the Mozilla page:
- python 2.6 (part of Slackware 13.37. I have not tested with Slackware 14 which upgraded to python 2.7)
- sqlite3 (already supplied by Slackware as well)
- virtualenv. Slackware packages can be downloaded here: http://slackware.com/~alien/slackbuilds/virtualenv/ or built using the SlackBuilds.org script .
The Sync Server code is hosted in a Mercurial repository and since Slackware ships a Mercurial client, that code is easy to check out to a local directory where you continue to build the server binary:
$ mkdir -p /usr/local/server-full $ cd /usr/local/server-full $ hg clone https://hg.mozilla.org/services/server-full/ . $ make build
Now, this server is ready to run, but unless you make some configuration changes it is not going to do much good:
- By default, the server stores your sync data in a sqlite database (you can use a real MySQL server database if you want), but it will create the sqlite database in
which is entirely inappropriate. Further down you will find what you have to modify so that your clients' sync data go somewhere less "volatile". - The python-based Sync Server can run all by itself on a configurable port number (5000 by default) which is just fine if you are its only user in your little LAN. But even Mozilla advises to put a real webserver between you and the Sync Server. In Slackware you can use the apache webserver for this. You must install an additional apache module for this to work: mod_wsgi. Slackware packages plus SlackBuild script can be downloaded here: http://slackware.com/~alien/slackbuilds/mod_wsgi/ or get a alternative SlackBuild script from slackbuilds.org.
- Create a separate system user and group (
) which is going to run the Sync Server so that it can not interfere with Apache if anything goes crazy:# groupadd sync # useradd -g sync weave
If you omitted the creation of the home directory for this "
" user account, then create it like this:# mkdir /home/weave # chown weave:sync /home/weave # chmod 711 /home/weave
- Create a new file "
" with the following content (adapt to your actual sync server hostname):<Directory /usr/local/server-full> Order deny,allow Allow from all </Directory> <VirtualHost *:80> ServerName sync.myserver.net DocumentRoot /usr/local/server-full WSGIProcessGroup sync WSGIDaemonProcess sync user=weave group=sync processes=2 threads=25 WSGIPassAuthorization On WSGIScriptAlias / /usr/local/server-full/sync.wsgi CustomLog /var/log/httpd/sync.myserver.net-access.log combined ErrorLog /var/log/httpd/sync.myserver.net-error.log </VirtualHost>
Apache 2.4 uses a different syntax for access control:
<Directory /usr/local/server-full> Require all granted </Directory> <VirtualHost *:80> ServerName sync.myserver.net DocumentRoot /usr/local/server-full WSGIProcessGroup sync WSGIDaemonProcess sync user=weave group=sync processes=2 threads=25 WSGIPassAuthorization On WSGIScriptAlias / /usr/local/server-full/sync.wsgi CustomLog /var/log/httpd/sync.myserver.net-access.log combined ErrorLog /var/log/httpd/sync.myserver.net-error.log </VirtualHost>
This tells apache that a script called "sync.wsgi" is going to be spawned as user "weave:sync" whenever a client connects to http://sync.myserver.net/ .
- Modify your apache server's main configuration file "
", in order to make it load the mod_wsgi module and use its configuration file. Add the following lines to thehttpd.conf
:# Activate the WSGI module (serving python binaries to the web): Include /etc/httpd/extra/mod_wsgi.conf # Act as a reverse proxy to the Mozilla Sync server: Include /etc/httpd/extra/httpd-wsgi.conf
- Check your Apache configuration for syntax errors which you may have introduced:
# apachectl configtest
- Restart Apache:
# /etc/rc.d/rc.httpd stop # pause 3 # /etc/rc.d/rc.httpd stop # /etc/rc.d/rc.httpd start
- Configure the Sync Server configuration files.
- Inside the directory "
" (where the Sync Server code has been downloaded and built if you followed this HOWTO to the letter) you will find the aforementioned "sync.wsgi
" script. Open the file in an editor. Read through the file and change it to something which you find better suited. For instance, change "/tmp
" to "/var/tmp
" in the line "os.environ['PYTHON_EGG_CACHE'] = '/tmp/python-eggs'
":os.environ['PYTHON_EGG_CACHE'] = '/tmp/python-eggs'
changes to
os.environ['PYTHON_EGG_CACHE'] = '/var/tmp/python-eggs'
- Next, edit the file "
" (that filename is configured in "sync.wsgi
" in case you want to use another name). In that file change the location of the error logfile so that it is created in "/var/tmp
". The lineargs = ('/tmp/sync-error.log',)
changes to:
args = ('/var/tmp/sync-error.log',)
- The "
" file also mentions the name of the actual sync configuration file "etc/sync.conf". Note that this path is relative to the Weave server's root directory. It requires some editing! For instance, create the SQL database file in the "weave
" user's own home directory. The linesqluri = sqlite:////tmp/test.db
sqluri = sqlite:////home/weave/my_weave_server.db
The default value for the quota assigned to each sync account is too low (it's set to 5 MB). Mozilla states that 99.9% of all clients which connect to its public server use less than 25 MB of quota, so use that value as a default. The line
quota_size = 5120
changes to:
quota_size = 25600
Then, look for the following line and make absolutely certain that it is changed to the Apache http:// URL of your Sync Server, i.e. the URL that the sync clients are going to use:
fallback_node = http://localhost:5000/
You can play with other options in this file to see what they can offer. For instance, you can disable "captcha" and not enable SSL, but you may decide that this is important to your setup.
USing the Sync Server
And now it is time to tell your Firefox browser to use this new service!
- In case this is the first time you talk to your Sync Server, you need to setup an account, so click the button "
Create a New Account
". This opens a new dialog box where you can type your email address (this will become your account name), an associated password and then in the dropdown menu, do not select "Firefox Sync Server
". Instead, you choose "Use a custom server
". This allows you to enter the URL for your brand-new private Sync Server.
Once the account has been created, Firefox will show you the sync key it will be using to encrypt your data. That key is important, you will need it if you want to add more computers to your sync account.
And that's basically it – the sync process will start immediately:
- Else if you already have a Sync Account and want to add a second computer to it, you can click on "
" in the first dialog which will open a new dialog. There are two ways to add this computer to your existing sync account:- Either you enter the code which is being shown on another computer which is already syncing to the server;
The sync key which is associated with your sync account can be retrieved at any moment should you have forgotten to write it down. Just go to a computer which has been setup for Sync, and open your Firefox browser's Preferences at the "Sync
" tab. Under "Manage your account
" you will find a menu item to display your key (as well as a way to change your account's password).
More help can be found at http://support.mozilla.com/kb/what-firefox-sync .
Securing your Sync Server with SSL
- This section is coming soon! You really want your Sync server to be accessible over https:// if you sync over the Internet.
- Originally written by Eric Hameleers
- Original source: Alien Pastures Blog


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The Quick 10: 10 Incidents (Other Than Boycotts) That Shook the Olympics
By Ben Smith
Boycotts have caused controversy at the Olympic games in 1976, 1980, and 1984, and pressure was put on the United States and other nations to lead a boycott of the current games because of China's support of the Darfur genocide and mass displacement of residents, amongst other reasons. They aren't the only incidents that have caused scandal at the Games, however. Here are 10 other events, both major and minor, that have also created controversy in the history of the Olympics.
1. 1932—Equestrian Bertil Sandstrom of Sweden is demoted to last place for clicking to his horse to encourage it.
2. 1936—German cyclist Toni Merkens fouls Dutch opponent Arie van Vliet; rather than being disqualified, he is fined and keeps his gold medal.
3. 1968—The East German women's luge team is DQ'd for heating the runners prior to each of their runs.
4. 1972—Eleven members of the Israeli Olympic team are taken hostage by a Palestinian terrorist group and later murdered.
5. 1980—In addition to massive boycotts led by the United States, pole vault jumper Wladyslaw Kozakiewics was almost stripped of his medal for making a "bent elbow" gesture at the public.
6. 1988—Three judges for the boxing final between Park Si-Hun and Roy Jones Jr. are later suspended after it was found they may have been bribed into giving the win to Park despite Jones' clear success in the match.
7. 1994—Tonya Harding is banned for life after arranging for an attack to be made on her closest rival, Nancy Kerrigan.
8. 2002—Various members of the IOC were forced to resign after it was revealed they accepted expensive "gifts" in return for choosing Salt Lake City as the host of the Games.
9. 2002—The gold medal for pairs figure skating is given to both Berexhnaya & Sikharulidze and Sale' & Pelletier when it was found that the French Judge, Marie-Reine Le Gougne, had been bribed.
10. 2004—Marathon runner Vanderlei de Lima is pushed into the crowd by a defrocked Irish priest, losing his first place position.


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Some scientists say that an asteroid is going to hit the earth 30 years from now. Is this true? Can we protect ourselves by sending nuclear weapons into space to destroy the asteroid? How big does a comet/asteroid have to be in order to destroy the Earth? What's the biggest a comet/asteroid could be and still burn up in our atmosphere?
Movies such as Deep Impact and Armageddon seem to have triggered questions from all over the world!
There has been talk that the asteroid 1997XF11 will crash into the Earth in the year 2028. The bottom line is that this asteroid poses no threat to the planet Earth in the next century. But, it will pass by the Earth over and over again in the next centuries, so it is worth knowing what we could do if it ever gets too close!
Right now, we have the technology to divert a comet or asteroid coming towards the Earth. Our rockets and explosives would break apart even a large object of about 1 kilometer in diameter. We would of course need some lead time (10 years would be a nice minimum notice). If we were to discover an object coming towards the Earth with only 1-2 years notice before impact, our technologies might not be adequate. The best we could hope to do would be to evacuate the impact site. So the best plan right now is to continue searching for Near Earth Objects so that we will know where these asteroids and comets are.
It is believed that an object in the 100 meter to 500 meter range could penetrate the Earth's atmosphere. These objects would cause local damage near the impact site. Larger bodies would certainly penetrate the atmosphere and would cause global devastation. The only thing we can compare such an impact to is that of nuclear war. Fortunately, impacts by such large bodies are extremely rare.
Submitted by Amber (Fargo, North Dakota, USA)
Submitted by Ann (Toronto, Canada)
Submitted by Phillip (Ottawa, Canada)
Submitted by Sam (Aaland Islands, Finland)
(June 29, 1998)


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There is also gathering evidence that links the use of chemical cleaners such as bleach with the development of asthma in both children and adults. Some chemicals can set off allergic reactions or contact dermatitis in sensitive people. And one 2010 US study discovered that women who held cleaning jobs while pregnant had a higher incidence of birth defects in their children.
So, whether you're already committed to a greener way of cleaning or you just want to save money and simplify your life a little, herbal cleaning makes a lot of sense.
Try these two recipes to clean your surfaces and floors, the easy way, with the power of herbs.
All-purpose herb vinegar spray
This all-purpose, environmentally friendly, non-toxic spray is great to have on hand for wiping, cleaning and deodorising almost every surface (except marble). If you don't have any fresh herbs, add drops of essential oil instead.
- fresh or dried herbs (you can also use herbal tea bags)
- distilled white vinegar
- Roughly chop 1 to 2 large handfuls of fresh or dried herbs (such as lemon verbena, peppermint, rosemary, lemon balm or lavender), or place 5 to 10 tea bags in the bottom of a wide-mouthed glass jar.
- Add vinegar to fill the jar. Replace the lid, leave for a few days to infuse, then strain out the herbs. (If you are using tea bags, you can gently warm the vinegar before pouring to ensure maximum diffusion.)
- Decant into a plastic spray bottle. This spray is perfectly safe and very effective to use at full-strength, but it can also be diluted half-and-half with water for lighter jobs.
Eucalyptus floor wash
With its powerful natural antiseptic, disinfectant and cleaning properties, eucalyptus oil can be put to work in every room of the house. This simple solution can be used on both timber and lino floors. When washing a timber floor, remember not to saturate it. Your mop should be damp, not dripping wet, and the floor should be well-swept or vacuumed before mopping.
- 1 teaspoon eucalyptus oil
- 2 tablespoons methylated spirits
- 5 litres hot water (about half a bucket)
- Combine all the ingredients in a bucket.
- Wring out a mop in the solution and use it to damp mop the floor. Leave to dry; you don't need to rinse.


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I was the seller of a condo property in Downtown San Diego. My relationship with Art evolved over a period of several years and was sparked by Art's prospecting call to me inquiring about my interest in selling. When the time was right, I called Art and, as I expected, he delivered. We executed a Listing Agreement and closed on the sale six months later. To say Art is a professional — although true — kind of misses the key point: Art is a partner in the sales process. We worked through a few very routine issues and, at each step in the process, I felt like we were collaborating on the issue and the resolution of it. Although I have experience in real estate transactions, I still appreciated Art's sense of the best course of action and his perseverance in seeing things through to completion and guiding me through the local transaction customs. Ultimately, we successfully sold the property on the timeline that was important to me. If you're looking for a high integrity real estate partner, you just found him. PJ
GlennH123 http://www.zillow.com/profile/Gregg-Neuman/Reviews/?review=4387329 August 8, 2018


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On the Road Again: Travel Tech That Makes Sense
Like many of you, I spend a lot of time on the road, and thus a lot of time thinking about how to best optimize the travel experience. So I do things like always carry my bags onto planes, book direct flights were possible, and travel as lightly as I can. But since this is by nature a technology column, and the technology I travel with changes pretty rapidly, I thought it might be worth discussing some recent trends and how they've impacted my own travel.
Years ago, when Wi-Fi was uncommon, we had to put up with dial-up connections at hotels, but that's no longer a concern. Of course, once you've achieved a certain level of connectivity you tend to expect it everywhere. And the rise in 3G access points, whether they're built into a PC, part of a standalone Mi-Fi type device, or provided via a 3G smart phone, provides a way to fill in the connectivity gaps. But I recommend a slightly different approach. The problem with the preceding 3G access points is that they come with expensive montly charges and often require a two year contract where you pay for connectivity whether you need or use it.
I prefer a pay as you go alternative like Virgin Broadband2Go. It's a standard USB-based external 3G access point, but it costs less than $80 and you can buy connectivity on-the-fly, whenever you need it. There are four options: 100 MB of usage for $10 (expires in 10 days), 300 MB for $20 (30 days), 1 GB for $40 (30 days), and 5 GB for $60 (30 days). (And if you're worried about getting other devices online and have a Windows 7-based portable computer, you can share that connection, for free, with Connectify.) Best of all, if you don't need it in a given month, you don't pay a thing.
Smart phones
No one traveling for work should be without a smart phone these days and there are many excellent devices to choose between. I currently use and prefer Apple's iPhone, but phones based on Android are gaining in popularity, and RIM Blackberry devices are always a good option, especially for those businesses that wish a bit more control over mobile access. Rather than get into a smart phone platform war, I'd like to just recognize that more and more people are using their phones for both work and play. And that means you're going to run into a very serious issue around battery life limitations.
Battery life is particularly problematic when you're traveling. While there was once a time when you could hop on a plane and be sure you'd be able to get work done, cramped quarters and overbooked flights have pretty much nixed that luxury. So I work when I can, but when it's not possible, I try not to get stressed out. And that means playing a game, listening to music, or watching a video on my phone. Which would be fine, except that the battery can be depleted by the time you get to your destination, forcing you to hunt for an outlet.
You could just get an iPod touch or Zune HD, of course, but another device can be expensive. A simpler and thriftier choice, perhaps, is to get an external charger. There are many alternatives, but I bring along two: The 3G Juice, which is just $50 and is iPhone/iPod-touch specific, and the Kensington Battery Pack and Charger ($70), which is advertised for the iPhone, but has a USB port for charging any mobile device. I'll use one of these on the plane with the iPhone, ensuring that I have a complete charge when I land at my destination.
I get a lot of questions about the Apple iPad but unlike most starry-eyed reviewers, I'm not caught up in the excitement. If you're reading this column, you don't need an iPad and, perhaps more important, it almost certainly can't help you get your job done better than a real PC. That may change in the future, but for now, the iPad is almost exclusively a "consumption" device, that is, one that is designed to help you enjoy digital media, eBooks, and so on.
But the problem with the iPad is that it's not ideal for these scenarios either. The screen is so reflective you could shave with it, and that makes the movie watching experience terrible, especially on a plane. And while I do use and recommend a dedicated eBook reader like Amazon's Kindle, the iPad is not an option here. The screen, again, is too reflective, and its brightness will lead to eye strain. Compared to the Kindle, the iPad is also far too heavy to hold comfortably for long periods of time. And let's be honest here, it's really expensive.
Hold out for v2 if you can stand the wait. I'm sure Apple will mop up any issues by the time the second generation iPad ships. They always do.
Remote access and cloud storage
I'm compulsive enough that I don't feel safe leaving the home office without some technological backup plan. In the old days I used to travel with a set of backup CDs (and then DVDs) that would let me reinstall my PC from scratch, along with applications, and then recover data. More recently, I've stopped giving into these urges, but I do ensure that the data I need is accessible when I'm on the road.
There are many solutions for retrieving corporate data on the go, and if you're using SharePoint, you're probably all set already. For my own purposes, I have a server at home with all my important data, and I use LogMeIn Pro for remote file retrieval and, when needed, remote desktop access. While there are free options available, LogMeIn has always been secure and reliable, and I feel that the $65 annual fee is reasonable.
Cloud storage solutions like Microsoft's free Windows Live Sync can be valuable as well, and you can and should think of these services like USB memory keys that are always available. I no longer carry physical memory keys with me.
There's a lot more, but I'm out of space. If you have some tech travel tips and advice, however, please send them along. I'll try to use the best ones in a future follow-up.
An edited version of this article appeared in the June 29, 2010 issue of Windows IT Pro UPDATE. --Paul


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5 of the best subwoofers
Have a sickness that can only be cured by bass? These lords of the low end will shake you to the core
Best for Sonos – Sonos SUB
£600, sonos.com
Add a dollop of low frequency cream to your Sonos scone with this wireless subwoofer, which seamless integrates with the music system and features a one-button setup, which will pair it with any of Sonos' amplified components. It can be placed upright or laid flat and slid under a sofa or bed.
Best for micro hi-fi – Yamaha YST-FSW050
£150, uk.yamaha.com
It may measure a manageable 350mm x 350mm (small enough to be placed in a rack rather than on the floor) but this ultra-compact sub packs a gusset-busting weight of 8.5kg – all the better to produce a bunch of bassy punch with. Its size makes it ideal for smaller hi-fis and home cinema speaker systems, or as a companion for a soundbar.
Best for high end home cinema – B&W PV1D
£1,200, bowers-wilkins.com
Designed to accompany Bowers & Wilkins' Mini-Theatre home cinema speaker system, the PV1D is a new digital version of the classic PV1 that, despite its relatively small size, belts out 400W of audio power. Its digital setup allows for a fine degree of precision when tuning it to your tastes, allowing you to go for big, ballsy bass or a slightly more restrained response that'll work better in more resonant rooms.
Best for mobile – X-Mini II
£15, amazon.co.uk
OK, so it's not a subwoofer per se – it's really a miniature speaker – but the second generation X-Mini capsule speaker will give your phone, tablet or other portable device a big bass boost. Its battery (which charges via USB) lasts for around 11 hours, and a 3.5mm audio input means you can attach pretty much anything. It weighs just 60g.
Best for budget home cinema – Wharfedale Powercube SPC-10
£250, wharfedale.co.uk
If you're looking for a wallet-friendly rumble-box that'll give movies, games and TV shows plenty of added growl, look no further than the SPC-10 from Wharfedale, which delivers taut, hefty bass without any of the wooliness that can distort details. Comes in eight different finishes too, ranging from "Piano Black" to "Cool Maple". Woody.
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Call Of Duty: Ghosts coming to next-gen consoles
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Ferrari 250 GTO |
Article | Image gallery (536) | Chassis (28) | Specifications | User Comments (1) |
Page 1 of 3 Next >> Arguably the most desirable and valuable car in the world, the Ferrari 250 GTO is surrounded with intrigue and myth. All of the 36 cars produced from 1962 to 1964 have survived and are accounted for, and most remarkably the history of every example is well documented. Up until the early 1970s, the GTO was regarded as an obsolete racing car. Since then prices have steeply risen to 10 digits in Pounds, Dollars and Euros. With today's value it's hard to imagine one was once used by a student driver and another used for auto mechanics practice at Victoria High School in Texas. Fortunately many owners still take their GTOs out with serious passion to participate in historic events around the world; for them and the spectators to enjoy. Museum displays don't do many cars justice, and it would be especially unfortunate to see Ferrari's definitive racer sit silently under artificial light. Exceptional lineage Launched in 1954, the 250 GT Europa spawned a line of exceptional Ferrari GT racers that could be driven to, and then excel, on the track. Power came from a 3 litre version of the Gioacchino Colombo short-block designed V12. Continuously developed from then on, this engine would power many different racers and road cars, ranging from the most luxurious convertibles to the full blown Testa Rossa racers. The engine was fitted in a simple but strong steel tubular ladder-frame that was suspended by wishbones with a single leaf spring at the front and a live axle at the rear. Not at all sophisticated, the GT car was designed to survive and win gruelling marathons on road and track. After the first series of cars were built in 1955, the Europa name was dropped and from then on the car was simply known as the 250 GT. After a victory in the Tour de France rally in 1956, the name Tour de France (TdF) was unofficially adopted for all long wheelbase (LWB) cars built after the Europa GT. A very well deserved nickname, as the 250 GT went on to win the French race another eight years in a row. Shorter and more nimble The 250 GT chassis began with a 2600 mm wheelbase, but Ferrari felt that handling and weight would benefit from a shorter chassis. In 1959 the first of these short wheelbase (SWB) cars was unveiled. As an interim series, the last seven LWB chassis were bodied with the upcoming SWB design. These LWB bodies included rear quarter windows, which were no longer necessary once the shorter chassis was complete. Both the engine and chassis were a development of the successful 250 GT, although the drum brakes were replaced by new discs to improve braking capabilities. Unlike the LWB 250 GT, the SWB was available as an aluminium bodied competition car or as a steel bodied 'Lusso' road car. The road car was built to comply with the latest FIA regulations which required a minimum number of cars be produced to secure homologation. Between 1960 and 1961 the 250 GT SWB was Ferrari's racing weapon of choice. Its dominance was complete, with consistent victories in the Tour de France and GT class victories in many endurance races, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Within the homologated specification, Ferrari continued development of the racer resulting in the 'Comp/61' version for the 1961 season. Compared to the previous series, it featured a more powerful engine, lighter and stronger chassis, and a slightly revised body. Ferrari 250 GT SWB Comp/62 Although the 250 GT's performance was impressive, a number of problems urged the factory competition department, the Gestione Sportiva, to develop a new version for 1962. Motivation also resulted from the FIA decision to run the 1962 World Championship for GT cars, rather than sports cars. That change added to the overall importance of the 250 GT program. The only noticeable flaw with the 1960/61 SWB was the poor aerodynamics at high speeds, which were often described as 'brick-like'. Development of the Comp/62 started quite early in 1961. The first sign of things to come was a 250 GT SWB fitted with a Pininfarina designed SuperAmerica body and a dry-sump 250 TR engine. Not yet homologated, this 'Sperimentale' made its debut in the 1961 Le Mans race, where it proved quite quick, but failed to finish. Throughout the year various minor modifications were approved and added to the homologation of the 250 GT. These included the adoption of the TR engine, which was similar to the Comp/61, but used dry sump lubrication and six Weber Carburetors instead of three. Page 1 of 3 Next >> |
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Bergen Cathedral
The Cathedral of Bergen in has existed nearly 900 years. The church was dedicated to the Norwegian saint Olav around 1150. Since then it has burnt five times and was even hit by a cannonball in 1665. The cannonball is still firmly stuck in the church tower to remind us of a time with battles in the bay.
The Cathedral was originally named St Olav's Church, and was a small parish church. The town's cathedral in the Middle Ages was Kristkirken, the Church of Christ, which was found at Holmen, near Håkon's Hall. We don't know much about the early years of the church apart from sources saying that the infamous King Sverre took refuge in the church during a battle in 1181.
St Olav's Church was conveyed to the Fransiscan order sometime in the first half of the 13th century. Fransiscan monks aimed at worshipping Jesus in the same manner as did St Frances of Assisi; through renunciation of earthly goods. Their church was plain, with only one nave and few ornaments. The church burnt twice during the Fransiscan period, both in 1248 and in 1270. King Magnus Håkonsson had the church rebuilt in 1270. Magnus was allegedly buried in the church choir, but the king's remains have never been located.
The church was part of a Fransiscan convent also offering schooling, where King Magnus the Lawmender is said to have received education in the convent school."
After the Reformation in 1537 St Olav's Church was made Cathedral of Bergen."
After the Reformation in 1537 St Olav's Church was made Cathedral of Bergen. The Church of Christ on Holmen had already been torn down. The new Cathedral was improved and extended, and even got its first organ from Bremen. After each big fire in Bergen, the Cathedral has been rebuilt, improved and extended.
The churchyard surrounding the Cathedral was according to Edvard Edvardsen extended in 1618 "due to the plague". In his book about Bergen written in the second half of the 17th century, he also mentions the Bishop's house and its large garden, which was supposed to have been particularly rich and beautiful. It contained fish ponds and all kinds of herbs, a hop garden and wonderful trees. Even fruit trees from abroad were cultivated in the garden, such as figs, vine, chestnut, coriander and laurel. During warm summers these trees carried fruit. The garden has since disappeared.
Johan Nordahl Brun was bishop in Bergen from 1804 to 1816. First as a priest in Korskirken and later as bishop, he was famous for being a great orator. Listeners would shiver and get goose pimples listening to him in church. He was also a wonderful poet, having written some our most beautiful hymns, and not least the "national song of Bergen" – Sang til Bergen. Brun was even known as an enthusiastic nationalist, wanting to rid Norway of its foreign ruler – Denmark.
Another well-known bishop in Bergen in the middle of the 19th century was Jacob Neuman. He was greatly concerned with the street beggars, who he often found pushy and impertinent. During church confirmations the beggars would gather outside the churches, waiting for the congregations to come out. They would then demand hand-outs, and if they were denied they would growl and swear.
The Cathedral's tower was used by watchmen from 1624 till 1903. The watchmen, who were lookouts for fire, undertook a very important task. Bergen Cathedral, and two other churches, Nykirken – the New Church, and Korskirken – the Church of the Cross – housed watchmen in the towers on a regular basis. They also kept fire extinguishing equipment, such as leather buckets, axes, ladders and ropes.
Til alle som har en fot i fortidens Bergen - hva med Elisabeth Welhavens fornøyelige historier fra Bergen rundt 1800? Boken kan bestilles på Histos forlag!


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The Yahoo! family expanded again today with the acquisition of online video editing service Jumpcut. Here's the Jumpcut post on the announcement and here's the Yahoo! Search post. Based in San Francisco and launched just six months ago, Jumput specializes in letting users remix videos already online or edit their own video with its interface. Mike Arrington gave the company a good review when it launched, writing that it was even better than Motionbox – a service he called the best yet for sharing online video just days before Jumpcut launched.
Yahoo! Video already has one of the biggest video search indexes online and will be all the more compelling with the added ability to remix posted content and edit original video online.
The terms of the deal are not being disclosed, although our guess is that Yahoo paid nowhere near the $65 million in cash that Sony recently spent to acquire Grouper, a video sharing site with a P2P focus. Wether the Jumpcut acquisition was large or small – it's very cool. It's one more example of the growing importance of remix culture and online video.


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Oil Prices Slip Amid Economic Worries
Brent crude oil fell on Friday, following a two-day, $3 rally, as weak economic data from the United States sounded a note of caution over growth prospects in the world's largest oil consumer.
Selling picked up speed around 11:30 a.m. in a wider commodities selloff in which gold also lost 0.3 percent.
The oil price is still over 6 percent off levels at the start of April after a string of disappointing reports in recent weeks from the U.S., China and Germany stoked fears of global economic slowdown.
On Friday, the Commerce Department reported U.S. gross domestic product expanded at a 2.5 percent annual rate in the first quarter. This advance read on how the economy kicked off 2013 was slightly worse than the 3.0 percent rate expected, prompting worries about a deceleration in the second quarter and sending U.S. equity markets down.
Brent slipped 67 cents to $102.74 a barrel by 11:51 a.m. (1551 GMT), after touching a low of $102.51, while U.S. crude was down $1.17 at $92.47 after going to $92.19 earlier in the day.
U.S. crude prices have careened from over $97 in the beginning of April to below $86 by mid-month.
"The market rebounded pretty strongly in the past week. We bounced from $85 close to $94 and it looks as if what you're seeing today is a little bit of profit-taking," said Gene McGillian, an analyst with Tradition Energy in Stamford, Connecticut.
Brent's premium to U.S. crude futures <CL-LCO1=R> edged higher Friday after settling below $10 on Thursday for the first time since January 2012.
"The market has gone through a period of relatively robust North Sea production, thus weakening the Brent side of the spread, while market participants are less concerned with the overhang of crude oil in the U.S. Midwest as the ability to move oil out of the region continues to increase," Dominick Chirichella of Energy Management Institute said.
Oil has also been supported by a tightening of global inventories over the past two months, according to a report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, as well as by ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Members of the U.S. Congress are calling for action on Syria after a report showed the likely use of chemical weapons by the Syrian government. (Additional reporting by Robert Gibbons in New York, Peg Mackey in London, Florence Tan in Singapore; Editing by Alden Bentley)


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Nowadays, it seems like there's a pill or shot to cure every illness. But do we really know how safe these unnatural remedies are? Throughout my travels and by talking with locals from other cultures, I've learned there are many natural treatments that are also effective in promoting good health. For those who've ever wondered about the holistic secrets of other cultures, here are some answers.
In Turkey, the trick to staying healthy is mesir paste. The concoction was invented in Manisa during the Ottoman Empire, when the wife of Sultan Yavuz Sultan Selim and mother of Suleyman the Magnificent became very ill. No doctor was able to find a cure, until one created a unique spice blend that seemed to bring the woman back to life. The mixture is a blend of 41 different spices that form a thick paste, and is used as a general cure-all and tonic. Some of the paste's ingredients include black pepper, cinnamon, licorice root (shown above), coconut and orange peel. The country is so proud of their natural remedy, they celebrate a Mesir Festival in Manisa each year.Ukraine
One effective yet simple remedy that can be learned from Ukraine locals is eating a lemon slice – peel and all. Apparently, the zesty flavor of the peel and citrus of the fruit can help aid digestion, reduce bloat and help breathing maladies.
According to Cecilia Soh, a Traditional Chinese Medicine Specialist at Singapore's Eu Yang Sang, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) sees "food as medicine and medicine as food." Since 74 percent of Singapore's population is Chinese, TCM is widely used. For example, many Asians will boil chrysanthemum flower tea to clear "excessive yang" from the body. This includes symptoms like sore throat, indigestion, constipation and excessive eye mucus. Peppermint is another herb used as tea that alleviates these symptoms as well as headaches and upper respiratory infections.
Another common remedy is Perilla leaf (shown right), which helps alleviate seafood-poisoning symptoms. It is often cooked with seafood in order to stop the problem from happening in the first place. For cough, healthy digestion and smooth peristaltic movements, Apricot seeds are used.
The most sought after of all holistic medicines, however, is ground up pearl. During ancient times, royal families and wealthy merchants were the only ones who could afford this ancient health and beauty secret. The power can either be ingested or applied to the face for clear skin and anti-inflammation, although a doctor should be consulted before consuming.
The indigenous ingredient used by many Aussie's to promote health and beauty is not only natural, it's delicious. Ligurian honey, found in South Australia's Kangaroo Island, is very rare and powerful. In fact, it is where you can find the only strand of pure Ligurian bees left in the world. When I visited Kangaroo Island, I actually visited the Ligurian honey farm where they sold an array of honey foods, products and treatments. For beauty, the honey contains Vitamin E to help lighten blemishes and promote clear skin. Moreover, in terms of health, pure honey – like the Ligurian variety – is naturally anti-bacterial, and can be used to treat everything from minor wounds and inflammations to ulcers and arthritis.
There are also many natural remedies discovered by the Aboriginals in Australia. Tea tree oil, which is still common today in many parts of the world, is created by crushing up tea tree leaves and either applying the paste to wounds, or drinking as tea for internal ailments. The concoction works wonders and is thought to be more effective than over-the-counter prescriptions. Moreover, washing cuts and wounds with Emu bush leaves has been found to be just as effective as antibiotics, and more natural.
In Aruba, there are two very natural remedies used to cure asthma. The first makes use of the aloe plant. Cut a piece, remove the skin, and slurp up the gel. While it may not smell or taste wonderful, it will help your respiratory system and promote good digestion. The other treatment involves boiling gecko lizards, and drinking the hot broth. According to the locals I've spoken to, this holistic trick cures asthma permanently.
Because a common problem experienced in Bolivia is altitude sickness, locals use their cash crop of coca leaves to help cure the ailment. You can either chew the leaves, or boil them for tea. Coca leaves are high in calcium and other nutrients, and can also be used to treat illnesses like malaria, asthma, headaches, wounds and even a low sex drive.
According to Joshua Berman, author of Moon Belize, the people of Belize still use many traditional herbs and plants to treat various illnesses, especially the Maya. Travelers can find "medicinal herb trails" throughout the country, and Maya healers are found in the Maya Centre and in some southern villages in the Toledo District.
Herbal medicine, often referred to as bush medicine, is a big part of Belize's cultural heritage. Plants are used to treat everything from everyday headaches and coughs to more serious ailments like diabetes and infertility. One popular cure for digestive problems and upset stomach is taking allspice tree leaves and making them into a tea. Moreover, the native scoggineal plant is helpful for relieving headaches and fevers by tying it to the forehead. For the common cold or flu, contribo vine can either be made into a tea or soaked in rum. And, if you've got itchy or burning skin ailments, like sunburn or bug bites, relaxing in a bath prepared with gumbolimbo bark (shown right) is very helpful.
In Colombia, natural remedies are very popular. For instance, using Rosemary by itself will help clear your lungs, while mixing the herb with ginger, half a lemon and honey is a cure for the common cold. If you want improved blood circulation, combine garlic and honey, and if you have swollen eyes you can put manzanilla (camomile) on your eyelids.
To help alleviate a strong cough, there are two remedies you can borrow from Colombian culture. One treatment is to ingest drops of eucalyptus. The other is placing half a potato near your pillow when you're sleeping, which will not only help your chest, but will also put you to sleep. Furthermore, for times when digestive problems arise, Colombians will often boil an aloe vera plant (shown right), drink the water, and eat the plant with sugar or honey. Apparently, this cure is very fast acting, although not the greatest tasting.
In Mexico, holistic healing practices are very common, as there is a lot of indigenous heritage there. Before actual medicine arrived, people used many fruits, vegetables and herbs to cure ailments. One very common natural remedy is eating seedless prickle – the fruit that comes from cacti – for diarrhea. For constipation, papaya and prunes are helpful. If you've got a case of conjunctivitis, many locals will make a "chicalote" infusion. This refers to a type of flower with thorny leaves, so you must be careful when picking it. Simply saturate cotton balls with the mixture and dab the eyes. In a few days, the problem will be gone.
In Brazil, there are many natural remedies used to treat ailments. First there is açai almond (the actual fruit), which provides a dark green oil commonly used as an anti-diarrheal. Found in Pará in northern Brazil, it is thought to have strong energetic properties. The juice has an exotic flavor and is high in iron – excellent for people with anemia. Guaraná powder is another ingredient that is widely used to help intestinal problems, stop bleeding, relieve headaches and improve brain function. To use it, mash up a guaraná until it turns into a thin, reddish powder. The substance is extremely high in caffeine – four times more than regular coffee. There is also sucupira seed, which contains alkaloids used to help fevers, arthritis and acne. In fact, some pharmacological studies have found the oil from the seeds to be effective against schistosomiasis.
In Morocco, where Berber Pharmacies, or herbalists, are popular, many locals seek medical help the holistic way. For example, pavor seeds are used to help soothe nasal congestion. Simply put them in a piece of cloth and knot it to form a ball. Then, place the sack under the clogged nostril while covering the other, and sniff. When having a toothache, Moroccans will put a clove on the tooth that is experiencing pain. These are the dried flower buds of the Myrtaceae family tree (shown right).
If dealing with insomnia, one popular holistic remedy is infusing red poppy flower into a tea. And, for fever or itchy eyes, locals will saturate a clean, white cloth with rose water and place it over their eyes or forehead, depending on which ailment they have.
In India, it is popular to use turmeric for acne. Grind it into a paste and apply it directly to the skin. You can also do this with sandalwood for the same effect. For an upset stomach, shaved ginger is often put on salads and other foods and ingested. Moreover, congee, or boiled rice with water, is eaten like porridge to promote general wellness.
Are there any natural remedies you've learned about along your travels?
[photos via avlxyz, dearbarbie, titanium22, Siona Karen, kthypryn, cyanocorax, Adrian Nier, Pixeltoo, borderlys, Koehler Images]


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Serena tweets 'emotions' got best of her
NEW YORK (AP) - Serena Williams says her emotions got the best of her when she berated the chair umpire during her loss to Sam Stosur in the U.S. Open final...
NEW YORK (AP) — Serena Williams says her emotions got the best of her when she berated the chair umpire during her loss to Sam Stosur in the U.S. Open final.
"My emotions did get the best of me this past weekend when I disagreed with the umpire," Williams tweeted Wednesday. "It has been a long road to get back to the US Open this year, and I am thankful to have had such a great two weeks in New York."
Williams' tweet came two days after she was cited for a code violation and fined $2,000 for verbally abusing chair umpire Eva Asderaki.
Facing a break point while serving in the first game of the second set Sunday night, Williams hit a forehand that she celebrated with a yell of "Come on!" Asderaki applied the hindrance rule, noting the scream came while Stosur reached out and got a racket on the ball. Asderaki awarded the point to Stosur.
That set Williams off on a series of insults directed at the official, reminiscent of her tirade on the same court when she berated and brandished her racket at a referee who called a foot fault in the 2009 semifinal against Kim Clijsters.
Stosur stunned Williams 6-2, 6-3 Sunday, winning her first Grand Slam title. She became the first Australian woman to win a major championship since Evonne Goolagong Cawley at Wimbledon in 1980.
Williams won two tournaments heading into the U.S. Open and was considered a favorite despite being sidelined nearly a year with injuries and health issues. She returned in June after dealing with two foot surgeries and blood clots in her lungs.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.


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A lot of people hate doodlers, those who idly scribble during meetings (or classes or trials or whatever). Most people also hate that other closely related species: the fidgeter, who spins pens or reorders papers or plays with his phone during meetings. (I stand guilty as charged. On occasion, I have also been known to whisper.) We doodlers, fidgeters and whisperers always get the same jokey, passive-aggressive line from the authority figure at the front of the room: "I'm sorry, are we bothering you?" How droll. But the underlying message is clear: Pay attention.
But I've never stopped fidgeting, and I've always thought I walked out of meetings remembering all the relevant parts. Now I have proof. In a delightful new study, which will be published in the journal Applied Cognitive Psychology, psychologist Jackie Andrade of the University of Plymouth in southern England showed that doodlers actually remember more than nondoodlers when asked to retain tediously delivered information, like, say, during a boring meeting or a lecture. (See the cartoons of the week.)
In her small but rigorous study, Andrade separated 40 participants into two groups of 20. All 40 had just finished an unrelated psychological experiment, and many were thinking of going home (or to the pub). They were asked, instead, whether they wouldn't mind spending an additional five minutes helping with research. The participants were led into a quiet room and asked to listen to a 2½-min. tape that they were told would be "rather dull."
That's a shocking bit of understatement. The tape which Guantánamo officials should consider as a method of nonlethal torture was a rambling (and fake) voice-mail message that purported to invite the listener to a 21st-birthday party. In it, the party's host talks about someone's sick cat; she mentions her redecorated kitchen, the weather, someone's new house in Colchester and a vacation in Edinburgh that involved museums and rain. In all, she mentions eight place names and eight people who are definitely coming to the party. (See pictures of office cubicles around the world.)
Before the tape began, half the study participants were asked to shade in some little squares and circles on a piece of paper while they listened. They were told not to worry about being neat or quick about it. (Andrade did not instruct people explicitly to "doodle," which might have prompted self-consciousness about what constituted an official doodle.) The other 20 didn't doodle. All the participants were asked to write the names of those coming to the party while the tape played, which meant the doodlers switched between their doodles and their lists.
Afterward, the papers were removed and the 40 volunteers were asked to recall, orally, the place names and the names of the people coming to the party. The doodlers creamed the nondoodlers: those who doodled during the tape recalled 7.5 pieces of information (out of 16 total) on average, 29% more than the average of 5.8 recalled by the control group. (See pictures of a diverse group of American teens.)
Why does doodling aid memory? Andrade offers several theories, but the most persuasive is that when you doodle, you don't daydream. Daydreaming may seem absentminded and pointless, but it actually demands a lot of the brain's processing power. You start daydreaming about a vacation, which leads you to think about potential destinations, how you would pay for the trip, whether you could get the flight upgraded, how you might score a bigger hotel room. These cognitions require what psychologists call "executive functioning" for example, planning for the future and comparing costs and benefits.
Doodling, in contrast, requires very few executive resources but just enough cognitive effort to keep you from daydreaming, which if unchecked will jump-start activity in cortical networks that will keep you from remembering what's going on. Doodling forces your brain to expend just enough energy to stop it from daydreaming but not so much that you don't pay attention.
So the next time you're doodling during a meeting or twirling a pencil or checking the underside of the table for gum and you hear that familiar admonition ("Are we bothering you?"), you can tell the boss with confidence that you've been paying attention to every word.
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